The program serves children from kindergarten through eighth grade, with a primary focus on elementary school students. The youngest participants are 5 years old, and most current wrestlers range from kindergarten to third grade. All experience levels are welcome Photo courtesy of Dixon Youth Wrestling

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon Youth Wrestling is a new athletic program designed to introduce local children to the sport of wrestling, providing structured training and competition opportunities that previously required families to travel outside the city.

The program was founded in late November 2025 by Hayden Fry, a Dixon resident who serves as program director and head coach. Fry also coaches the Mitey Mites football team for Dixon Youth Football and Cheer. He said interest from his football players helped spark the idea.

“Some of my Mitey Mite kids wanted to wrestle, so I started a wrestling program,” said Fry.

According to Fry, he grew up in Dixon as a football player and wrestler but, due to the lack of a local youth wrestling program, he frequently had to travel. He wrestled through middle school in Vacaville, continued in high school and later in college. When his own children expressed interest in wrestling, Fry recognized a similar need still existed in the community.

“I thought there was a huge need for our town to have its own program,” said Fry. “We have a lot of great athletes and wrestling is the perfect sport for small towns.”

Dixon Youth Wrestling is registered under USA Wrestling, the national governing body for the sport, and began holding practices shortly after its formation. According to Fry, local businesses provided early support to help launch the program.

The program serves children from kindergarten through eighth grade, with a primary focus on elementary school students. The youngest participants are 5 years old, and most current wrestlers range from kindergarten to third grade. Fry said all experience levels are welcome, with an emphasis on beginners due to the absence of a previous local program.

Practices are held for about 90 minutes and include instruction on fundamentals, movement and positioning, followed by drills and live wrestling. Fry said athletes typically learn four to five new techniques per practice. About 30 percent of practice time is dedicated to live sparring, and sessions conclude with a fun team-building activity.

Dixon Youth Wrestling is a new athletic program designed to introduce local children to the sport of wrestling, providing structured training and competition opportunities that previously required families to travel outside the city. The program was started in late November by Coach Hayden Fy. Photo courtesy of Dixon Youth Wrestling

The wrestling season operates largely year-round, though the core season runs from late November through mid-March. Fry said the program plans to participate in folkstyle wrestling, as well as Olympic styles such as freestyle and Greco-Roman. Youth wrestlers have the opportunity to compete in a California state championship in March.

Fry believes the program’s mission extends beyond competition.

“It’s just learning how to get through difficult times,” said Fry. “Wrestling’s a complete grind, and once you’ve made it through it, you can do anything.”

He added that wrestling’s individual nature teaches accountability, humility and resilience. Unlike team sports, wrestlers must rely on themselves when facing challenges.

The program has already begun attending tournaments. Fry said that after just two weeks of practice, Dixon Youth Wrestling athletes competed against experienced opponents and earned match wins.

“They’re improving a lot every single day,” said Fry.

According to Fry, parents and volunteers play a key role in sustaining the program, particularly by encouraging children to remain committed through the physical and mental challenges of the sport. As the program grows, Fry said additional help will be needed for tasks such as tournament scheduling and administration.

Several local businesses have contributed to Dixon Youth Wrestling, including Platinum Rentals, Primo’s Barbershop, KUIU and Pizza Guys.

Looking ahead to 2026, Fry said his goal is to establish Dixon Youth Wrestling as a long-term fixture in the community.

“I want to create something that will be well known and a staple in town,” said Fry.

Fry emphasized that participation does not require competition, noting that about half of the current athletes choose to compete. The program’s next local tournament appearance is scheduled for the Valentine’s Day Massacre in Vacaville during Valentine’s Day weekend.

“Competition is their time to shine,” Fry said. “It’s not about the Dixon Youth Wrestling program; it’s about the wrestlers.”

For more information, visit Dixon Youth Wrestling on Facebook or call 707-761-9282.